Mini Stereos

Written by Adam Blau

Mini stereos provide a cost-effective solution for those people who are looking for a compact, versatile audio setup. For years, audio customers had only two major options: the component stereo and the boom box. The former comprised many individual components which were interconnected, and the latter was a portable audio solution that sacrificed some sound quality as a result of its compactness.

Each of these systems has its advantages and drawbacks. While the component setup is versatile in that it allows a consumer to pick and choose specific audio devices of varying quality, the necessity of purchasing separate units creates a fairly costly solution. Boom boxes, while a compact and "all-in-one" solution, do not deliver the high quality home theater sound that audiophiles demand.

Enter Mini Stereos

To bridge the gap between the extremely high and low ends of the audio market, manufacturers began to develop mini stereos. These "all-in-one" solutions are bigger than boom boxes, providing more stereo power and higher quality components. Mini stereos aren't exactly portable like boom boxes, but they are small enough that they can travel easily enough, if necessary.

Mini stereos usually have many of the same features as component systems, too. Mini stereos frequently offer a range of CD, cassette, tuner and auxiliary features, just like a component system. Whereas a component customer can opt for separate machines and achieve considerable flexibility, though, the mini stereo customer is relegated to using the predetermined features on the unit. Mini stereos offer a suitable compromise between portability and flexibility for many customers.